What ended Larry Bird's career?

After leading the Celtics to a 29–5 start to the 1990–91 season, Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, a condition that eventually led to his retirement. He had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but his back problems continued and he missed 37 games during the 1991–92 season.

When did Larry Bird retire?

As the 1992-93 NBA season approached, Bird decided he could not continue. On Aug. 18, 1992 he announced his retirement as a player. After 897 games Bird retired with 21,791 points (24.3 ppg), 8,974 rebounds (10.0 rpg) and 5,695 assists (6.3 apg).

What happened to Larry Bird's back?

Despite his status as a top NBA talent, Bird was a simple man who never forgot his roots. That helps explain why, in the summer of 1985, he returned home to help build a driveway for his mother. While shoveling crushed rock, the forward hurt his back, changing basketball history in the process.

Did Larry Bird retire after the Olympics?

Larry Bird admitted his legendary basketball career ended with the Boston Celtics, not the Dream Team. After the Olympics and after Bird officially retired, he sat down with Bob Ryan, then of The Boston Globe. During their interview, the subject of the Dream Team came up.

Does Michael Jordan respect Larry Bird?

Jordan had a lot of respect for Larry Bird. But he admitted after retiring that he would never have wanted to team up with him or Magic Johnson. Jordan was speaking about LeBron's decision to join Miami and noted that he was too competitive with Larry and Magic to ever play with them.

The Ugly Truth of Larry Bird's Downfall

Was Michael Jordan friends with Larry Bird?

Michael Jordan and Larry Bird are close friends, so it wasn't that surprising to see the Boston Celtics legend take not-so-subtle shots at Chicago Bulls management in 1998 for how they treated MJ and head coach Phil Jackson.

What kind of back problems did Larry Bird have?

March 5, 1993: Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird underwent five hours of back fusion surgery to relieve the sciatica pain that ended his playing career.

Why did Larry Bird retire so early?

After leading the Celtics to a 29–5 start to the 1990–91 season, Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back, a condition that eventually led to his retirement.

Why did Magic Johnson retire?

On November 7, 1991, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson stuns the world by announcing his sudden retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers, after testing positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At the time, many Americans viewed AIDS as solely a gay white man's disease.

When did Shaq retire?

Standing 7 feet, 1 inch tall, Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominant players in the NBA before his 2011 retirement.

Are Michael Jordan and Magic friends?

NBA legends Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are close friends these days but it wasn't always that smooth. When MJ entered the league, Johnson and the Lakers were a dominant force. He was one of the brightest stars in the league but Jordan quickly made a name for himself.

Why did Larry Bird only play 13 seasons?

While a guy like LeBron James is putting up MVP numbers into his 19th NBA season, Bird managed to last just 13 seasons in large part due to back problems that plagued him for multiple years. His pain was more evident with every passing season until he called it quits in 1992.

Why did Larry Bird only play 13 years?

BOSTON -- Larry Bird, saying he's had enough pain and enough basketball, Tuesday announced his retirement because of a back injury after 13 years with the Boston Celtics.

Why did Larry Bird give up coaching?

A heart ailment prompted Bird to follow through on another promise – that he would only coach three seasons. He walked away weeks after Indiana lost to the Lakers in the 2000 Finals. “The one thing I don't want to do is get in Kevin's way. … If I can do this (as a consultant), it would be great.

Did Larry Bird ever miss a shot?

While talking about his shooting mechanics with an interviewer, Larry Bird knocked down a shot… even when he wanted to miss it on purpose. Larry Bird is truly one of the greatest ball-players the league has been blessed to witness.

How much money did Larry Bird make in the NBA?

He is most famous for being a member of the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his career, he earned $26 million in salary. After retiring from the NBA, Larry embarked on what has become a highly successful business career.

Who does Larry Bird think is the greatest basketball player of all time?

Larry Bird is often looked at as one of the NBA's greatest players? But is he the greatest player? While the GOAT debate has often been a fight between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, one Hall of Famer believes the former Boston Celtics star is the best to ever do it.

Who does Larry Bird think is the greatest of all time?

Larry Bird on what made Michael Jordan the greatest player he ever saw: 'He's literally on a different level' Larry Bird is one of the greatest players in NBA history; however, even he admits he never saw anyone like Michael Jordan and believes he was on a different level than any other player in NBA history.

What did Michael Jordan say when Larry Bird retired?

29 Year Old Michael Jordan After Larry Bird's Retirement: “I'm Glad You're Retiring, I'm Tired of Seeing Your Face” Michael Jordan's legacy is known by NBA fans all over the world. With 6 titles for the Bulls, the 'number 23' was a game-changer for the sport itself.

Was Larry Bird a garbage man?

Attending a community college was no longer Larry's priority, as he was forced to find a way to support himself and his daughter. He dropped out and started working for the city of Indiana as a garbage man — a job Bird later admitted he enjoyed.

Why are birds retired?

Bird announced his retirement from the NBA on August 18, 1992 due to a back injury. He played 13 seasons with the Celtics.

What did Larry Bird do after he retired?

Bird retired in 1992 and moved to a front-office position with the Celtics. He became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers (despite having no previous coaching experience) in 1997 and was named Coach of the Year after his first season.

Did Magic Johnson turn down Nike?

But did you know Nike offered Magic stock five years before Michael Jordan's deal? If you're watching the HBO series Winning Time, you know Magic Johnson turned down a shoe deal with Nike -- one that would eventually have been worth $5.2 billion -- to take a $100,000 deal with Converse.